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Nashville Then: Best of 1988 music

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With bandleader Randy Harrell at the piano, Jeannie Seely, left, as Miss Mona and Edsonya Charles as Jewel sing during rehearsal for the Circle Players musical "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" on Jan. 6, 1988. Lynn DeLaney Saunders / For The Tennessean

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With bandleader Randy Harrell at the piano, Jeannie Seely, left, as Miss Mona and Edsonya Charles as Jewel sing during rehearsal for the Circle Players musical "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" on Jan. 6, 1988.
Lynn DeLaney Saunders / For The Tennessean

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Willie Nelson, left, and Kris Kristofferson perform "Waltz Across Texas" during the Texas tribute segment of the CBS special "A Country Music Celebration: The 30th Anniversary of the Country Music Association" at the Grand Ole Opry House on Jan. 7, 1988. Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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Willie Nelson, left, and Kris Kristofferson perform "Waltz Across Texas" during the Texas tribute segment of the CBS special "A Country Music Celebration: The 30th Anniversary of the Country Music Association" at the Grand Ole Opry House on Jan. 7, 1988.
Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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Dwight Yoakam made the journey from California to perform during the Bakersfield sound segment of the CBS special "A Country Music Celebration: The 30th Anniversary of the Country Music Association" at the Grand Ole Opry House on Jan. 7, 1988. Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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Dwight Yoakam made the journey from California to perform during the Bakersfield sound segment of the CBS special "A Country Music Celebration: The 30th Anniversary of the Country Music Association" at the Grand Ole Opry House on Jan. 7, 1988.
Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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Entertainer of the Year Hank Williams Jr. performs during the "From Honky-tonk to Rock 'n' Roll" segment of the CBS special "A Country Music Celebration: The 30th Anniversary of the Country Music Association" at the Grand Ole Opry House on Jan. 7, 1988. Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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Entertainer of the Year Hank Williams Jr. performs during the "From Honky-tonk to Rock 'n' Roll" segment of the CBS special "A Country Music Celebration: The 30th Anniversary of the Country Music Association" at the Grand Ole Opry House on Jan. 7, 1988.
Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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Mr. Zero blasts forth its sound from the upstairs stage of The Cannery on Jan. 15, 1988. The group's fusion of metal rock and rap music was one of the most distinctive styles heard during the three-day, 20-band Nashville Music Extravaganza '88. Peyton Hoge / For The Tennessean

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Mr. Zero blasts forth its sound from the upstairs stage of The Cannery on Jan. 15, 1988. The group's fusion of metal rock and rap music was one of the most distinctive styles heard during the three-day, 20-band Nashville Music Extravaganza '88.
Peyton Hoge / For The Tennessean

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Ronnie James Dio performs his "Dream Evil" theme song for his band Dio during a special effects extravaganza concert that also included Savatage and Megadeth at Municipal Auditorium on Jan. 20, 1988. David Rogers / For The Tennessean

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Ronnie James Dio performs his "Dream Evil" theme song for his band Dio during a special effects extravaganza concert that also included Savatage and Megadeth at Municipal Auditorium on Jan. 20, 1988.
David Rogers / For The Tennessean

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John Carter Cash, left, Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash, Rodney Crowell and June Carter Cash gather for a family meeting during the Nashville chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences' party in honor of local Grammy nominees at the Vanderbilt Plaza on Jan. 27, 1988. Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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John Carter Cash, left, Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash, Rodney Crowell and June Carter Cash gather for a family meeting during the Nashville chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences' party in honor of local Grammy nominees at the Vanderbilt Plaza on Jan. 27, 1988.
Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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Def Leppard lead singer Joe Elliott and bassist Rick Savage perform for the sold-out crowd of 9,500 during their concert at Municipal Auditorium on Jan. 28, 1988. Peyton Hoge / For The Tennessean

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Def Leppard lead singer Joe Elliott and bassist Rick Savage perform for the sold-out crowd of 9,500 during their concert at Municipal Auditorium on Jan. 28, 1988.
Peyton Hoge / For The Tennessean

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Jean Shepard and her Second Fiddles band perform Feb. 3, 1988, during the Reunion of Professional Entertainers open house at the Station Inn. Lynn Saunders / For The Tennessean

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Jean Shepard and her Second Fiddles band perform Feb. 3, 1988, during the Reunion of Professional Entertainers open house at the Station Inn.
Lynn Saunders / For The Tennessean

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Waylon Jennings and wife Jessi Colter sing a duet at the packed Buddy Killen's Stockyard on Feb. 9, 1988, for the eighth annual Easter Seals benefit. There was a celebrity auction along with the country music show. David Rogers / For The Tennessean

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Waylon Jennings and wife Jessi Colter sing a duet at the packed Buddy Killen's Stockyard on Feb. 9, 1988, for the eighth annual Easter Seals benefit. There was a celebrity auction along with the country music show.
David Rogers / For The Tennessean

Nashville black music pioneer Johnny Bragg, center, embraces BMI President Frances Preston, left, as BMI Nashville Vice President Roger Sovine looks on as Bragg picked up a million-performance award for "Just Walking in the Rain" during the annual Million-Airs Luncheon at Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel on Feb. 15, 1988. Bragg wrote the 1956 hit for Johnnie Ray. P. Casey Daley / The Tennessean

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Nashville black music pioneer Johnny Bragg, center, embraces BMI President Frances Preston, left, as BMI Nashville Vice President Roger Sovine looks on as Bragg picked up a million-performance award for "Just Walking in the Rain" during the annual Million-Airs Luncheon at Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel on Feb. 15, 1988. Bragg wrote the 1956 hit for Johnnie Ray.
P. Casey Daley / The Tennessean

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Reba McEntire, just named as honorary chairwoman for this year's United Way campaign during a news conference March 8, 1988, chats with one of the workers at the Rochelle Center's sheltered workshop during a tour. Lynn Delaney Saunders / For The Tennessean

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Reba McEntire, just named as honorary chairwoman for this year's United Way campaign during a news conference March 8, 1988, chats with one of the workers at the Rochelle Center's sheltered workshop during a tour.
Lynn Delaney Saunders / For The Tennessean

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Superstars Eddy Arnold, left, and Ronnie Milsap share some RCA Records memories with Nashville label chief Joe Galante at the Country Music Hall of Fame on March 8, 1988. Galante presented the company's entire 60-year recording history to the Country Music Foundation archives. Lynn Delaney Saunders / For The Tennessean

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Superstars Eddy Arnold, left, and Ronnie Milsap share some RCA Records memories with Nashville label chief Joe Galante at the Country Music Hall of Fame on March 8, 1988. Galante presented the company's entire 60-year recording history to the Country Music Foundation archives.
Lynn Delaney Saunders / For The Tennessean

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Canadian country star K.D. Lang, left, poses with legendary vocalists Brenda Lee, Kitty Wells and Loretta Lynn, and producer Owen Bradley, back, during a news conference April 4, 1988. The four singers got together in Bradley's recording studio in Mt. Juliet to make a music video of a medley they recorded for Lang's next album. Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

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Canadian country star K.D. Lang, left, poses with legendary vocalists Brenda Lee, Kitty Wells and Loretta Lynn, and producer Owen Bradley, back, during a news conference April 4, 1988. The four singers got together in Bradley's recording studio in Mt. Juliet to make a music video of a medley they recorded for Lang's next album.
Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

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Artist Max Hochstetler, right, discusses his painting for the Nashville Network in an on-air unveiling of the commissioned work April 4, 1988, that celebrates five years of "America's country home network." Ralph Emery, who is depicted in the work's foreground, enjoys the occasion. Hochstetler, an artist/teacher at Austin Peay State University, also painted the Opryland Hotel murals in the foyer outside the ballrooms. Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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Artist Max Hochstetler, right, discusses his painting for the Nashville Network in an on-air unveiling of the commissioned work April 4, 1988, that celebrates five years of "America's country home network." Ralph Emery, who is depicted in the work's foreground, enjoys the occasion. Hochstetler, an artist/teacher at Austin Peay State University, also painted the Opryland Hotel murals in the foyer outside the ballrooms.
Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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Karl VanDeVender, left, president of the Davidson County chapter of the American Cancer Society, entertainers Minnie Pearl and Amy Grant and Ronald Samuels, senior vice president of Dominion Bank, chat before the April Evening events at the Grand Ole Opry House on April 7, 1988. The "Shower of Stars" evening also featured Robin Williams and James Taylor to benefit the Cancer Society. Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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Karl VanDeVender, left, president of the Davidson County chapter of the American Cancer Society, entertainers Minnie Pearl and Amy Grant and Ronald Samuels, senior vice president of Dominion Bank, chat before the April Evening events at the Grand Ole Opry House on April 7, 1988. The "Shower of Stars" evening also featured Robin Williams and James Taylor to benefit the Cancer Society.
Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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Siblings BeBe and CeCe Winans speak after winning the GMA's Horizon Award during the 19th annual Dove Awards show at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center on April 14, 1988. Their older brothers, The Winans, took the Contemporary Black Gospel honors. Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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Siblings BeBe and CeCe Winans speak after winning the GMA's Horizon Award during the 19th annual Dove Awards show at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center on April 14, 1988. Their older brothers, The Winans, took the Contemporary Black Gospel honors.
Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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Sometime duet partners Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patti sing "I've Just Seen Jesus" during the 19th annual Dove Awards show at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center on April 14, 1988. Both went on to be triple Dove Award winners for the night. Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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Sometime duet partners Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patti sing "I've Just Seen Jesus" during the 19th annual Dove Awards show at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center on April 14, 1988. Both went on to be triple Dove Award winners for the night.
Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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Bill Monroe, right, warms up to show his mastery of bluegrass music for the Cinemax national cable TV cameras and crew at Fisk Chapel on May 10, 1988, for the "Country Music: A New Tradition" special. David Rogers / For The Tennessean

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Bill Monroe, right, warms up to show his mastery of bluegrass music for the Cinemax national cable TV cameras and crew at Fisk Chapel on May 10, 1988, for the "Country Music: A New Tradition" special.
David Rogers / For The Tennessean

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Jerry Jones, a 15-year employee of the Metro Public Works Department, puts up banners along Lower Broadway on May 24, 1988, to promote the Nashville Arts Gallery and the annual Summer Lights festival. Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

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Jerry Jones, a 15-year employee of the Metro Public Works Department, puts up banners along Lower Broadway on May 24, 1988, to promote the Nashville Arts Gallery and the annual Summer Lights festival.
Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

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Singer George Morgan’s widow, Anna Trainor, right, and daughter Lorrie Morgan admire the posthumous honor given to the country great, who immortalized “Candy Kisses,” “Room Full of Roses” and other classics. The Opry star, who died in 1975, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Walkway of Stars as part of Fan Fair activities June 6, 1988. Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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Singer George Morgan’s widow, Anna Trainor, right, and daughter Lorrie Morgan admire the posthumous honor given to the country great, who immortalized “Candy Kisses,” “Room Full of Roses” and other classics. The Opry star, who died in 1975, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Walkway of Stars as part of Fan Fair activities June 6, 1988.
Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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Randy Travis enjoys the moment after winning his fourth award of the night, the Entertainer of the Year honor, during the Music City News Awards show June 6, 1988. Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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Randy Travis enjoys the moment after winning his fourth award of the night, the Entertainer of the Year honor, during the Music City News Awards show June 6, 1988.
Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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Country superstar Conway Twitty checks out his Living Legend Award he just received from presenter and last year's recipient, George Jones, during the Music City News Awards show June 6, 1988. Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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Country superstar Conway Twitty checks out his Living Legend Award he just received from presenter and last year's recipient, George Jones, during the Music City News Awards show June 6, 1988.
Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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Mel Tillis has a little help during his performance in the Mercury/PolyGram Records show, part of Fan Fair, at the state fairgrounds June 7, 1988. Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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Mel Tillis has a little help during his performance in the Mercury/PolyGram Records show, part of Fan Fair, at the state fairgrounds June 7, 1988.
Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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The legendary Everly Brothers, Phil, left, and Don, make their Fan Fair debut during a surprise appearance at the Mercury/PolyGram Records show at the state fairgrounds June 7, 1988. Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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The legendary Everly Brothers, Phil, left, and Don, make their Fan Fair debut during a surprise appearance at the Mercury/PolyGram Records show at the state fairgrounds June 7, 1988.
Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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Ricky Van Shelton performs one of his hits during the CBS Records Show, part of Fan Fair, at the state fairgrounds June 7, 1988. Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

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Ricky Van Shelton performs one of his hits during the CBS Records Show, part of Fan Fair, at the state fairgrounds June 7, 1988.
Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

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Dwight Yoakam talks after being introduced as the newest inductee of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Walkway of Stars on June 9, 1988. Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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Dwight Yoakam talks after being introduced as the newest inductee of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Walkway of Stars on June 9, 1988.
Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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Rosanne Cash, left, enjoys the moment with husband Rodney Crowell during her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's Walkway of Stars June 10, 1988, a part of the Fan Fair activities. Rick Musacchio / The Tennessean

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Rosanne Cash, left, enjoys the moment with husband Rodney Crowell during her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's Walkway of Stars June 10, 1988, a part of the Fan Fair activities.
Rick Musacchio / The Tennessean

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The Fairfield Four, who’ll be honored in an upcoming Gospel Arts Day celebration at Fisk University, refine their renowned gospel harmonies during a rehearsal session at one member’s home June 17, 1988. Members are James Hill, left, the Rev. W.L. Richardson, Isaac Freeman, the Rev. Sam McCrary, Robert Hamlett and Wilson Waters. James Larson / For The Tennessean

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The Fairfield Four, who’ll be honored in an upcoming Gospel Arts Day celebration at Fisk University, refine their renowned gospel harmonies during a rehearsal session at one member’s home June 17, 1988. Members are James Hill, left, the Rev. W.L. Richardson, Isaac Freeman, the Rev. Sam McCrary, Robert Hamlett and Wilson Waters.
James Larson / For The Tennessean

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Wynonna, left, and Naomi Judd show their fans that the award-winning duo's days as an opening act are numbered during their performance at Starwood Amphitheatre on June 24, 1988. Peyton Hoge / For The Tennessean

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Wynonna, left, and Naomi Judd show their fans that the award-winning duo's days as an opening act are numbered during their performance at Starwood Amphitheatre on June 24, 1988.
Peyton Hoge / For The Tennessean

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Country singer Johnny Darrell talks about his recovery from kidney problems at the Bell Cove Club overlooking Old Hickory Lake on June 28, 1988. Six months before, Darrell was at death's door and doctors gave him no hope of recovering. Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

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Country singer Johnny Darrell talks about his recovery from kidney problems at the Bell Cove Club overlooking Old Hickory Lake on June 28, 1988. Six months before, Darrell was at death's door and doctors gave him no hope of recovering.
Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

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Ten-year-old Julie Carpenter of San Angelo, Texas, and Jennie Chestnut of Nashville warm up their instruments before Julie's first fiddle competition at the 17th annual Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival in Smithville, Tenn., on July 2, 1988. Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

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Ten-year-old Julie Carpenter of San Angelo, Texas, and Jennie Chestnut of Nashville warm up their instruments before Julie's first fiddle competition at the 17th annual Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival in Smithville, Tenn., on July 2, 1988.
Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

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Pam Jennings, left, of Tullahoma, C.J. Hawkins of McMinnville and Cliff Hennessee of Sparta warm up next to the Rutherford County Courthouse on July 9, 1988, before their performance in the 11th annual Uncle Dave Macon Days contest in Murfreesboro. P. Casey Daley / The Tennessean

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Pam Jennings, left, of Tullahoma, C.J. Hawkins of McMinnville and Cliff Hennessee of Sparta warm up next to the Rutherford County Courthouse on July 9, 1988, before their performance in the 11th annual Uncle Dave Macon Days contest in Murfreesboro.
P. Casey Daley / The Tennessean

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Pop star Billy Ocean delivers another one of his hits July 19, 1988, at Starwood Amphitheatre. Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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Pop star Billy Ocean delivers another one of his hits July 19, 1988, at Starwood Amphitheatre.
Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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Nashville favorite Pat McLaughlin opens for Bruce Hornsby and the Range at Starwood Amphitheatre on July 20, 1988. Peyton Hoge / For The Tennessean

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Nashville favorite Pat McLaughlin opens for Bruce Hornsby and the Range at Starwood Amphitheatre on July 20, 1988.
Peyton Hoge / For The Tennessean

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Pop-folk star Bruce Hornsby cranks up the accordion for the entertainment of about 4,000 fans braving the heavy rain at Starwood Amphitheatre on July 20, 1988. Peyton Hoge / For The Tennessean

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Pop-folk star Bruce Hornsby cranks up the accordion for the entertainment of about 4,000 fans braving the heavy rain at Starwood Amphitheatre on July 20, 1988.
Peyton Hoge / For The Tennessean

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RCA Records Cajun sensation Jo-El Sonnier performs one last “Jole Blon” on the accordion that brought him fame before donating it to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Aug. 5, 1988. Sonnier, who has the hits “No More One More Time” and "Tear Stained Letter,” wiped away a tear at the ceremonies. Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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RCA Records Cajun sensation Jo-El Sonnier performs one last “Jole Blon” on the accordion that brought him fame before donating it to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Aug. 5, 1988. Sonnier, who has the hits “No More One More Time” and "Tear Stained Letter,” wiped away a tear at the ceremonies.
Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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Savuka percussionist Dudu Zulu, left, and group leader Johnny Clegg open for Steve Winwood before a packed audience of 14,000 at Starwood Amphitheatre on Aug. 6, 1988. Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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Savuka percussionist Dudu Zulu, left, and group leader Johnny Clegg open for Steve Winwood before a packed audience of 14,000 at Starwood Amphitheatre on Aug. 6, 1988.
Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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British-born and part-time Williamson County resident Steve Winwood delights the crowd of 14,000 with another of his hits during his concert at Starwood Amphitheatre on Aug. 6, 1988. Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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British-born and part-time Williamson County resident Steve Winwood delights the crowd of 14,000 with another of his hits during his concert at Starwood Amphitheatre on Aug. 6, 1988.
Heather Stone / The Tennessean

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The Judds express delight at their nomination for Entertainment of the Year during the CMA news conference at the Mere Bulles restaurant Aug. 18, 1988. Naomi Judd, left, and daughter Wynonna announced the 1988 finalists for country’s highest accolades. Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

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The Judds express delight at their nomination for Entertainment of the Year during the CMA news conference at the Mere Bulles restaurant Aug. 18, 1988. Naomi Judd, left, and daughter Wynonna announced the 1988 finalists for country’s highest accolades.
Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

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Songwriter Harlan Howard, left, singer Mel McDaniel and publisher Bob Beckham enjoy themselves at the Hillwood Country Club on Aug. 23, 1988, during a Nashville Entertainment Association tribute for Beckham, who is the fifth recipient of its Master Award. Peyton Hoge / For The Tennessean

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Songwriter Harlan Howard, left, singer Mel McDaniel and publisher Bob Beckham enjoy themselves at the Hillwood Country Club on Aug. 23, 1988, during a Nashville Entertainment Association tribute for Beckham, who is the fifth recipient of its Master Award.
Peyton Hoge / For The Tennessean

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Legendary songwriter Harlan Howard kicks off the fifth annual Harlan Howard Birthday Bash with a few of his own hits before more than 1,500 in the Music Row parking lot of BMI on Sept. 8, 1988. Peyton Hoge / For The Tennessean

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Legendary songwriter Harlan Howard kicks off the fifth annual Harlan Howard Birthday Bash with a few of his own hits before more than 1,500 in the Music Row parking lot of BMI on Sept. 8, 1988.
Peyton Hoge / For The Tennessean

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Bob Hope, left, shares a joke with his friend Roy Clark during a reception and dinner in Clark's honor, "A Salute to Roy Clark," in the Plantation Ballroom of the Sheraton Music City on Sept. 9, 1988. Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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Bob Hope, left, shares a joke with his friend Roy Clark during a reception and dinner in Clark's honor, "A Salute to Roy Clark," in the Plantation Ballroom of the Sheraton Music City on Sept. 9, 1988.
Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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“Hee Haw” co-host Roy Clark, left, and Buck Owens laugh during a reception and dinner in Clark’s honor, “A Salute to Roy Clark,” in the Plantation Ballroom of the Sheraton Music City on Sept. 9, 1988. Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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“Hee Haw” co-host Roy Clark, left, and Buck Owens laugh during a reception and dinner in Clark’s honor, “A Salute to Roy Clark,” in the Plantation Ballroom of the Sheraton Music City on Sept. 9, 1988.
Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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Country music star Hank Thompson, next to some of the items from his long career, speaks during a news conference Sept. 20, 1988. He is giving the items to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Rick Musacchio / The Tennessean

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Country music star Hank Thompson, next to some of the items from his long career, speaks during a news conference Sept. 20, 1988. He is giving the items to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Rick Musacchio / The Tennessean

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Anne Murray, right, and Capitol Records President Jim Foglesong field questions during a news conference Sept. 21, 1988, at the Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel. They are celebrating Murray's return to Nashville recording for her 20th anniversary with the label and a benefit concert on behalf of the Nashville Songwriters Association International in November. Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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Anne Murray, right, and Capitol Records President Jim Foglesong field questions during a news conference Sept. 21, 1988, at the Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel. They are celebrating Murray's return to Nashville recording for her 20th anniversary with the label and a benefit concert on behalf of the Nashville Songwriters Association International in November.
Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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Mary Chapin Carpenter offers some of her folk-country fusion sound during the Talent Buyers Entertainment Marketplace at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Oct. 8, 1988. The Washington, D.C., stylist was one of 15 young acts that were showcased to kick off Country Music Week activities. Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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Mary Chapin Carpenter offers some of her folk-country fusion sound during the Talent Buyers Entertainment Marketplace at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Oct. 8, 1988. The Washington, D.C., stylist was one of 15 young acts that were showcased to kick off Country Music Week activities.
Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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Country music legend Johnny Cash welcomes Loretta Lynn into the Country Music Hall of Fame during the 22nd annual CMA Awards gala at the Grand Ole Opry House on Oct. 10, 1988. Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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Country music legend Johnny Cash welcomes Loretta Lynn into the Country Music Hall of Fame during the 22nd annual CMA Awards gala at the Grand Ole Opry House on Oct. 10, 1988.
Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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Hank Williams Jr. celebrates his second straight triumph as the Entertainer of the Year by sweeping pop-country queen Brenda Lee off her feet during the CMA Awards show at the Grand Ole Opry on Oct. 10, 1988. Williams also won the Album of the Year award. Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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Hank Williams Jr. celebrates his second straight triumph as the Entertainer of the Year by sweeping pop-country queen Brenda Lee off her feet during the CMA Awards show at the Grand Ole Opry on Oct. 10, 1988. Williams also won the Album of the Year award.
Callie Shell / The Tennessean

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Jeannie Seeley, left, Stella Parton and Jan Howard will perform in the upcoming production of the Circle Players musical "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Nancy Rhoda / The Tennessean

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Jeannie Seeley, left, Stella Parton and Jan Howard will perform in the upcoming production of the Circle Players musical "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Nancy Rhoda / The Tennessean

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Roy Acuff, left, and Grandpa Jones laugh during the tribute marking Jones' 60 years in country music at a Hendersonville farm Oct. 23, 1988. Acuff was one of the roasters who regaled the crowd with "Grandpa stories." Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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Roy Acuff, left, and Grandpa Jones laugh during the tribute marking Jones' 60 years in country music at a Hendersonville farm Oct. 23, 1988. Acuff was one of the roasters who regaled the crowd with "Grandpa stories."
Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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Audience members at the first performance of the Nashville Symphony’s new season Nov. 4, 1988, got a chance to make music of their own with kazoos during the high-spirited finale, “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Symphony conductor Kenneth Schermerhorn, left, gives a demonstration to his wife, Tish, concert mistress Teresa Fream and assistant conductor Brian Groner. Robert Johnson / The Tennessean

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Audience members at the first performance of the Nashville Symphony’s new season Nov. 4, 1988, got a chance to make music of their own with kazoos during the high-spirited finale, “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Symphony conductor Kenneth Schermerhorn, left, gives a demonstration to his wife, Tish, concert mistress Teresa Fream and assistant conductor Brian Groner.
Robert Johnson / The Tennessean

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Anne Murray sings one of her many hits during a concert at the Grand Ole Opry House on Nov. 16, 1988, to benefit the Nashville Songwriters Association. Robin Convover / For The Tennessean

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Anne Murray sings one of her many hits during a concert at the Grand Ole Opry House on Nov. 16, 1988, to benefit the Nashville Songwriters Association.
Robin Convover / For The Tennessean

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Stereo Review journalist Alanna Nash shows off her new book, "Behind Closed Doors: Talking with the Legends of Country Music," during an interview at The Tennessean on Nov. 21, 1988. Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

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Stereo Review journalist Alanna Nash shows off her new book, "Behind Closed Doors: Talking with the Legends of Country Music," during an interview at The Tennessean on Nov. 21, 1988.
Ricky Rogers / The Tennessean

A slap of the congas from Sam Clayton and a strong vocal note from the throat of Craig Fuller kick off the Nashville reunion concert of the legendary Little Feat at the Jackson Hall of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center on Nov. 22, 1988. Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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A slap of the congas from Sam Clayton and a strong vocal note from the throat of Craig Fuller kick off the Nashville reunion concert of the legendary Little Feat at the Jackson Hall of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center on Nov. 22, 1988.
Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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The Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands is another crowd favorite for its jazzy renditions of traditional Christmas carols during the annual Christmas parade Dec. 4, 1988. Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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The Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands is another crowd favorite for its jazzy renditions of traditional Christmas carols during the annual Christmas parade Dec. 4, 1988.
Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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Grand marshals husband and wife country music stars Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White, along with their daughter, wave to the crowd during the annual Christmas parade Dec. 4, 1988. Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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Grand marshals husband and wife country music stars Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White, along with their daughter, wave to the crowd during the annual Christmas parade Dec. 4, 1988.
Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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Country singers Jean Shepard, left, and Ferlin Husky remember the late Roy Orbison at the memorial prayer service at the College Heights Baptist Church in Gallatin on Dec. 11, 1988. Orbison died suddenly at age 52 on Dec. 6 while visiting his mother, Nadine Orbison, brother Sam, oldest son Wesley and road manager Benny Birchfield, who is Shepard's husband, in Nashville. Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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Country singers Jean Shepard, left, and Ferlin Husky remember the late Roy Orbison at the memorial prayer service at the College Heights Baptist Church in Gallatin on Dec. 11, 1988. Orbison died suddenly at age 52 on Dec. 6 while visiting his mother, Nadine Orbison, brother Sam, oldest son Wesley and road manager Benny Birchfield, who is Shepard's husband, in Nashville.
Mike DuBose / The Tennessean

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With bandleader Randy Harrell at the piano, Jeannie Seely, left, as Miss Mona and Edsonya Charles as Jewel sing during rehearsal for the Circle Players musical "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" on Jan. 6, 1988.